مجلة التمكين الاجتماعي
Volume 6, Numéro 2, Pages 237-249
2024-06-30
Algerian Clothing Culture In Travel Books (19th-20th Century)
Authors : Moussaoui Abir .
Abstract
This research paper explores the scope of Algerian cultural manifestations featured in three travel books, at the last third of the nineteenth century and outset of the twentieth century, shedding light on one of them, which is traditional clothing. The aim is to project the diversity of Algerian fashion and the specificity that characterised some parts of the country, in terms of costumes and styles, including inter alia, those for special events and festivities. This examination involves some books of that era, especially chosen for discussion and citation. By shedding light on detailed accounts and narratives that provide an insight into Algeria’s cultural prosperity, this paper delves into the characteristics of clothing such as styles, colours, fabrics existed within the specified timeframe (end of 19th- onset of 20th century). In this respect, the paper is grounded in relevant works published at the time Algeria had been witnessing a turnout of Western intellectuals and artists, particularly from Europe. The three books are : A Woman in the Sahara, by Gordon Helen Cameron, 1914 ; Winters in Algeria, by F. A. Bridgman, (1890) ; Murrays Handbook for Travellers in Algeria and Tunis, by Sir R. Lambert Playfair, (1891). Following a roadmap to explore the cultural manifestation through the Algerian traditional clothing, this paper maps out places marked by a popularity of certain essential garments worn by men and women, including haik, burnous and gandoura, in terms of where and how they were worn. The paper also includes detailed descriptions of different styles of clothing, summarized and cited from the mentioned works. Hence, this contribution aims to encourage further academic research in this arena, to authenticate the scope of the historical and geographical extension of this culture. It also strives to protect the cultural properties, which are historically proven and recognised, ensuring they are attributed to their owners. Additionally, emphasizing the roots and authenticity of the Algerian traditional clothing which stood against the eradication attempts, challenging a persistent substitute colonial culture.
Keywords
Algeria ; Burnous ; Culture ; Gandoura ; Haik ; Traditional Clothing
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